Defence of inequality has always been a core principle of the Conservative Party in Great Britain. Yet throughout the twentieth century, and now into the twenty-first, the Conservatives have enjoyed great electoral success in a British society marked by widespread inequalities of wealth and income. In British Conservatism, Peter Dorey initially examines the intellectual and political arguments which Conservatives use to justify inequality, including Conservative ideas about human nature, the apparent inevitability of inequality as indicated by historical trends and the way in which Conservatives link economic inequality with individual freedom. Dorey also notes how Conservatives themselves disagree over how much inequality is desirable or acceptable. Should inequality be unlimited, in order to promote liberty, incentives and rewards? Or should inequality be kept within certain bounds to prevent social breakdown and political upheaval? These debates within the Conservative Party have become even more relevant since Margaret Thatcher's leadership in the 1980s, and they continue today as David Cameron, as Prime Minister, pledges to mend a "broken society'. British Conservatism then concludes by examining how the Conservative Party has attracted considerable support from less well-off sections of British society, those who might otherwise have been expected to support political parties promoting equality.
This wide-ranging study will be particularly valuable to students interested in the ideas and debates surrounding British Conservatism, past and present. It will also be of great interest to readers wanting to understand how the Conservative Party proved so successful electorally during most of the twentieth century, to the extent that it attracted the support of up to one-third of the working class, thereby deflecting the potential challenge of socialism, and indeed, how it has come to enjoy its latest resurgence at the polls in spite of a growing gulf between rich and poor and deepening inequality.
Industry Reviews
'This is a highly authoritative, sharp and impressive account of a much neglected aspect of Conservative Party politics and ideology. Peter Dorey seamlessly weaves together a conceptual deconstruction of Conservative justifications for inequality, with a thorough, detailed historical narrative and some intelligent and important insights. This book, which is superbly well written and engaging throughout, will serve as an invaluable resource for students and scholars of British politics alike.' - Peter Kerr, Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of Birmingham; 'In the wake of the Conservative accession to government, this book makes a significant contribution to the debate on the party's past and present policy positions. It should thus be read by anyone interested in the politics of the Conservative party.' - David Seawright, Senior Lecturer in British Politics, University of Leeds; 'This is an excellent study of the ideology of the Conservative Party, thoroughly researched and rightly highlighting the core ideological commitment that the party has to inequality.' - Kevin Hickson, Lecturer in the Department of Politics, University of Liverpool; 'This book provides a timely evaluation of the relationship between Conservative thought and inequality. Peter Dorey offers a detailed, insightful and persuasive analysis of Conservative attitudes towards inequality. It is an essential read for those seeking to understand the Conservative Party.' - Timothy Heppell, Lecturer in British Politics, University of Leeds; 'Few concepts in political studies cause more confusion than conservatism. Basing his account on the key issue of attitudes to equality, Peter Dorey has produced a lucid and thoroughly researched contribution to the subject. His book will be of great assistance to students of British Politics at all levels.' - Mark Garnett, Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, Lancaster University
